Hello, you guys have given me great advice before, and I'm really in need of some now. I'm in high school, and as of last week, I am a FORMER student nurse. I was in a really great LPN program in which you can get your license after graduating from high school. The grade requirements are a little higher than college (75 is passing), and I passed all of my classes except for one (71). Anyway, I recently got the boot, and I'm not certain of my future anymore. I know that this "isn't the end of the world" (at least that's what everyone's telling me), but I can't help but feel like a failure. But, here's where my question comes in: I must have been really distraught the moment that I got kicked out because on Friday, I went to my guidance counselor and completely dropped the Health Careers Institution and am now left without a program, instead of doing the most logical thing that all of my other peers did and going into EMT, where I'd still receive a license and something nice to show on my resume. The thing is, I kind of regret it, but I don't think that I want to deal with it. Should I do EMT even though I don't like it for the sake of a license or just wait until I start college to pursue nursing? Any suggestions?

If nursing is your dream, follow your dream. Definately don't do EMT if you don't like it. It takes dedication to be an EMT as well.

I'm not sure which class you got the boot for, but you might give a serious look at your study habits and priorities. Nursing school isn't any easier.

Good luck!!!

Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

If nursing is your dream, follow your dream. Definately don't do EMT if you don't like it. It takes dedication to be an EMT as well.

All you need for nursing school is a high school diploma, a license just to have a license won't get you anywhere.

I'm not sure which class you got the boot for, but you might give a serious look at your study habits and priorities. Nursing school isn't any easier.

Good luck!!!

Sorry, I didn't mean to quote myself, but edit myself. Sigh...

Good ness gracious you have a lot of time to decide what you want to do...and failure at a young age MUST not stop you from pursing a dream. Remember, those who never fail, have never really tried. We all have suffered serious set-backs in our lives, careers and the like. I agree w/3rd shift. Step back, cool off, and re-evaluate your priorities and study habits. Give yourself time to think what you really want....if it is to be a nurse, GO AFTER IT but want it more than ANYThing and you will SUCCEED. Good luck and don't let this setback discourage you from what you really want in life. Many more are sure to head your way on your journey. Be strong! Good luck.

Thanks, that was a big help!

The only way you can ever fail at something is to stop trying.

Thomas Edison tried thousands of ways to make the light bulb. He succeeded because he used what some would call failure as a process of elimination. He found thousands of ways he could eliminate.

When you start thinking about failure ask yourself this: How long will you give a baby to learn to walk before giving up?

Babe Ruth made more home runs than anyone in his day. But he also struck out more times than anyone else.

Champions are not born they are just born stubborn. Too stubborn to ever give up. Only the tough suceed because only the tough will not let an obsticle or setback stop them.

So stick that chin out an put your stubborn nature to work. If you are crtitcized for being stubborn smile you are on your way.

Wow, graduating high school with an LPN also is a pretty big leap. I'm not saying you are not smart enough to be an LPN at age 17 or 18. It's just that the role of a nurse involves so many interactions with people that come so much easier if you have lived a bit longer.

OK, I don't think I expressed that well. I think you must be pretty smart to accomplish all you have already. Go ahead and graduate, and come on into nursing school. You will learn so much and grow so much in the few semesters you are there!

Hang on to your dream!

If nursing is what you want, then definitely go for it. An EMT is very different from a nurse and while it will give you some experience with patients and a good thing to put on your resume, if it is not something you are really into, I can;t see any reason to pursue it.

A good thing you may want to consider is looking into CNA programs. Try that out for a little bit and see how you like it. You will see first hand the role of the nurse and will be able to learn a great deal.

I agree with the other posters that 17 or 18 years old and already an LPN is an awesome thing. However, maybe it is almost too young. No offense....and I am only a few years older than you (22)....so I can relate. I can;t imagine carrying that much responsibilty right out of high school!!!!

So, give yourself some time to really find out what you want to do. You have lots of time to do that. And even more time to be out there in the workforce. Learn about what your priorities really are. Also, learn how to study. I am sure you are more than capable of achieving your goals....you may just not be ready yet to focus!!!

The CNA would be a real good stepping stone... I wish you lots of luck!

You're 17 and your whole live is ahead of you. Get the EMT for experience, graduate then follow into nursing. I had a baby at 17, who is now 17, and I am back in school at the ripe age of 35. So you really can have it all.

I CAN'T THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH FOR ALL OF THE ADVICE AND SUPPORT THAT YOU'RE GIVING ME. IT'S REALLY UPLIFTED MY SPIRITS, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. FINALLY THOUGH, I SAT DOWN AND THOUGHT REALLY HARD ABOUT IT, AND I FIGURED THAT GOING INTO EMT AND EXPANDING MY HORIZONS WOULDN'T BE SO BAD (I think, anyway), AND NURSING IS MY MAIN FOCUS,SO I'LL DEFINITELY DO IT IN COLLEGE. YOU GUYS ALSO HELPED ME TO REALIZE THAT I REALLY DIDN'T PRIORITIZE THINGS, AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF DOING SO NOW. LASTLY, I THINK YOU ALL MAKE A GOOD POINT; I AM ONLY 17, AND EVEN THOUGH ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE DID IT, I THINK I'D PROBABLY BURN OUT AS AN LPN AT THIS STAGE OF MY LIFE. AND NOW THAT I HAVE SOME EXTRA FREE TIME, I'M PLANNING TO EITHER USE MY CNA CERTIFICATE THAT I GOT LAST YEAR AND WORK AS ONE AFTER SCHOOL, OR WORK AS A HOME HEALTH AIDE. THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP, I SERIOUSLY DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE RIGHT STATE OF MIND TO MAKE A DECISION W/O YOUR SUPPORT! :)

You sound like a really together person. I look forward to your becomming a Nurse.